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Chapter 377 - Chapter 152

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Title: Jounin Exams 3

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Test 1: The Symbolic Labyrinth

Jounin candidates are placed in a large, dimly lit room with walls adorned with intricate symbols. At the center lies a pedestal with an encrypted scroll.

The symbols on the walls hint at the decryption method, requiring candidates to decipher the meaning behind the symbols and translate them into a code. They must then use this code to unlock the scroll which contains their next instructions.

Test 2: The Time-Pressed Ciphers

Candidates find themselves in a room filled with ticking clocks, each with different symbols representing a specific letter. The clocks need to be synchronized with the correct time zones, and as they do so, the letters create a coded message.

With limited time, Jounin must decode the message to reveal the location of their next challenge before the clocks run out.

Test 3: Elemental Strategy

In a specially designed arena, candidates are given control over elemental statues representing fire, water, earth, and wind. They are presented with a puzzle where they need to maneuver the statues to create a specific pattern that unlocks a hidden message.

Each statue's movement is determined by a set of rules that candidates must deduce through experimentation and observation.

Test 4: The Enigmatic Chessboard

A gigantic chessboard awaits candidates, each piece intricately carved with symbols. The objective is to make a series of moves, guided by riddles and clues provided along the way.

Each move unravels a piece of a coded message hidden within the chessboard's pattern, culminating in the decryption of the final message that holds the key to the next challenge.

Test 5: The Mirage Maze

Candidates enter a maze with magical illusions that deceive the senses. Along the maze's path, they encounter statues representing different animals, each guarding a piece of a puzzle.

By solving riddles related to the animals and arranging the pieces correctly, candidates reveal a cipher that decodes a message guiding them out of the maze.

Test 6: Elemental Convergence

Jounin candidates must manipulate the natural elements in a controlled environment. They are provided with tools and substances corresponding to different elements.

The candidates need to combine these elements in a specific way, using scientific knowledge and alchemical principles, to produce a chemical reaction that generates a visible message.

Test 7: The Aural Enigma

Candidates are led into a soundproof chamber where they hear a complex sequence of musical notes and tones. They must identify the pattern within the sequence and convert it into a numerical code.

This code, once cracked, directs them to a hidden location where they discover a coded message buried beneath the ground, written in a language only visible with specific lighting conditions.

"These challenges test the Jounin candidates' ability to think critically, solve puzzles, and decipher codes under pressure. By combining their intellect and quick decision-making skills, they not only overcome the challenges but also uncover hidden messages that guide them through the trial... However, isn't this a little bit too much for Chunins?" A green haired girl said as she reviewed the seven tests that had been given to the children to pass through.

"Not at all. These are the easiest tests I could come up with on the fly." The proctor from earlier said as he reclined on a cushion with a book in his hands. "Also, they're not kids. They're Chunins who came here to experience what it means to be a Jounin. Have some faith in them."

The green haired lady looked at the man with a frown on her face before looking at the other Jounins that accompanied their respective Chunins for the exams.

Seeing them not being worried, she sighed and said. "Whatever."

"Ano... Pakura-dono, you don't need to worry that much, you know. They have all the time in the world. Plus, this exercise will train their thinking process a little bit." Another Jounin said to the frustrated sand Jounin.

"That's right Pakura, you sand Nins would really need a Shinobi or two who can use their heads to thinks." Chisaki, the Iwa Jounin snickered at her.

"You head strong idiots only know how to fight and think later. I don't think you are in a position to talk here. I wonder how long it'll take your Chunins to even clear this stage." Pakura quipped back.

Kakashi glanced at the dark-skinned Shinobi from Kumo who seemed to be muttering something like 'I am air.' continuously and smiled wryly.

He then focused on the screen that was showing all the Chunin in their respective illsuion scape. 'I have no doubt in Shun's and Itachi's critical thinking, However, I wonder who'd finish first.' He thought to himself.

Meanwhile, Pakura and Chisaki had already placed a bet on who's team would pass earliest between the Iwa and Suna Shinobi... As for the wager, it was a whopping 10 million Ryo.

...

The Aura Enigma' test room was a dimly lit chamber with smooth, obsidian-black walls that absorb sound. The room was designed to challenge participants' auditory perception and analytical skills.

In the center, a circular platform holds an intricate array of speakers, each emitting different tones, frequencies, and patterns. These speakers are strategically positioned to create an immersive auditory environment.

A mysterious ambiance pervaded the room, heightening the sense of anticipation and concentration. Shun, Kimizu and Kitsume find themselves surrounded by an intricate web of invisible sound waves, creating an immersive experience that requires them to decipher hidden messages, sequences, and clues embedded within the audio patterns.

"The challenge lies in identifying patterns, harmonies, and dissonances, all while under the pressure of a time limit." Shun muttered after listening for a while.

The room's design was to encourage a keen focus on sound, with no distractions to interfere with participants' concentration. The objective of "The Aural Enigma" is to test not only their auditory acuity but also their ability to unravel cryptic audio puzzles and deduce meaningful connections between the sounds.

"The enigmatic atmosphere and the room's sonic complexity make this test a true trial of cognitive prowess and auditory analysis. Truly, The Aural Enigma" Shun said and turned to Kimizu.

"This is a perfect test to challenge yourself. You can decide to do this alone or we could help you..."

"I'll do it alone." Kimizu said immediately with a determined light in her eyes. "However, it would be best if you both could also input your results when I'm done."

"Alright." Shun nodded and smiled. This was good. This was a good way to challenge and push her limits.

Shun POV.

Observing the illusion scape we were brought into, I couldn't help but Marvel at how far we had really developed. We are literally the Wakanda of this Universe...no, planet.

This test even. To think a captain after my rule could come up with this... Even I didn't think of this when I was in office. Hell, I didn't even know we had a technology that could be used to pass information.

We had nerfed telephones but... A literal hub? Damn.

Hmm... Looking at this test, I already know what is intended of us. There are only five steps to take in actually passing this test.

First, Analyzing the Musical Sequence, listen carefully to the sequence of musical notes and tones. The sequence is designed to have a repeating pattern that can be identified by recognizing the intervals between the notes. The intervals may be of different lengths and can correspond to various musical scales or patterns.

Second, Identifying the pattern...we need to determine the specific pattern of intervals between the notes. For instance, the first three notes have ascending intervals, followed by a descending interval, and then a repeating cycle of specific intervals.

Three, Converting to a Numerical Code... Each type of interval is assigned a corresponding number. For example, ascending intervals might be assigned the number 1, descending intervals the number 2, and so on. We can use these assigned numbers to create a numerical sequence based on the pattern they identified.

Four, Decoding the Hidden Location... Using these numerical sequence obtained from the musical pattern, we consult with a provided cipher that correlates the numbers to specific directions. For example, the number 1 could correspond to moving north, the number 2 to moving south, and so on. Following these directional instructions, I can see there is a hidden location somewhere.

And finally, Uncovering the Coded Message... Upon reaching the hidden location, there should be a type of lighting condition that reveals a coded message buried beneath the ground.

This message is written in a language that only becomes visible under this lighting. This is where we use our knowledge and observation to decipher the message, which contains further instructions or clues for the next challenge...

Interesting. I wonder how long it'll take Kimizu to arrive at that location. For now, I should just pretend to actually be looking.

...

Meanwhile, on the Jounins side, they watched with keen interest as their Chunin went about solving the challenges created for them. Other than the young ones from Hanagakure, another eye catching group was the grounp of four from Konoha.

Their challenge was actually Illusion based...inside the illusion. Weird but an interesting concept.

"This test, The Mirage Maze, it's interesting. Candidates must navigate a maze filled with magical illusions that deceive their senses." Kakashi said aloud as he watched the Uchiha navigate freely with his Sharingan with a smile hanging on his face.

"They're lucky to have gotten that one, I suppose." The proctor said as he watched the Uchiha practically cheat his way through the test.

"That's his luck isn't it? His Sharingan is a part of his strength so I guess it's okay." Kakashi said with a shrug.

"You're right. Luck is also a part of strength." The proctor said and went back tk reading his book.

As the group progressed along the maze's path, they encountered several statues representing different animals, each guarding a piece of a puzzle.

By solving riddles related to these animals and arranging the puzzle pieces correctly, they can reveal a cipher that will decode the message guiding them out of the maze.

At each animal statue, they encounter a riddle or a set of questions related to the animal it represents.

"I'm known for my wisdom, and my nocturnal flight, Silent and deadly, a creature of the night. Who am I?" One read and Itachi instinctively knew the answer and said. "An owl."

As soon as he said that, a token fell from the statue of the animal which he caught. "Interesting." He said.

The next one read. "In the jungle I swing, from tree to tree with grace, My long arms and legs help me move with an agile pace.

What creature am I?"

"Isn't that a Monkey?" Yugao asked and a token fell to her direction which she caught.

The next riddle read. "With fur so sleek and eyes that gleam, I stalk my prey, a predator supreme. Graceful and fierce, I'm a symbol of might, In the wild, I rule both day and night. What animal is this?"

"Heh, a Lion." Takeshi said without also thinking only for nothing to happen

"..."

"I don't think that's the answer Takeshi-senpai." Itachi said politely, much to the older teens embarrassment.

"I think it's a Tiger." The pink haired Medical Ninja said and true to her words, a token fell to her direction. "Tee-hee," she blinked at Takeshi and went to join Itachi and Yugao.

"In the waters I glide, sleek and sly, A top predator beneath the sky. My finned body is built for speed, In the ocean depths, I take the lead." Came the next riddle.

"Okay, this should be an easy one senpai, you got this." The Medic nin said in mock encouragement.

"Humph, even I will know this much. It's a shark." He said and correct he was as a token fell to him. "See? Simple." He said.

By answering the riddles correctly, they each received puzzle pieces from each animal statue. Each piece corresponds to a specific part of the puzzle they need to complete.

Candidates must arrange the puzzle pieces they've collected in the correct order. The arrangement is based on a predetermined sequence that becomes evident once all the pieces are gathered.

The sequence could be determined by the order of animal appearances, their characteristics, or other clues provided within the maze.

Without thinking too much about it, Itachi placed his piece down, followed by Yugao and then the medical nin, and then Takeshi.

Once the puzzle was correctly arranged, a hidden code was revealed within the completed puzzle. The positions of the puzzle pieces and the arrangement pattern serve as clues to decrypt this cipher.

The deciphered code unveils a map and message that contains instructions on how to navigate through the rest of the maze and ultimately find the exit.

Using the instructions from the deciphered message, the four maneuvered their way through the maze's deceptive illusions, following the indicated path. The message gave them a guide to make specific turns, avoid certain paths, or follow patterns that break the illusions without the help of the Sharingan.

By accurately following the instructions, they reach the maze's exit, successfully bypassing the illusions.

"That was one hell of a puzzle. We're probably the first ones out right?" Takeshi said in both frustration and pride only for him to hear a soothing music not far from them.

Looking over, he couldn't help but curse... "What the hell..?"

***

Alright. Alright. Don't blame me if you don't understand this chapter. I too don't even know what I wrote. I just felt it made sense in my head so I put it down In writing. Just read it as you see it.

This chapter is 2.2k words. Enjoy.

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